Information for parents/guardians on proficiency based grading

Dear Parents,

American Literature has undergone some changes in their grading system.  Students are now being graded on a system called “Proficiency Based Grading.”  Before we explain the value and method of the grading system, let us first provide a caution about the six week grading period and progress reports.  Proficiency Based Grading allows your student to re-take assessments to prove mastery if their score is lower than desired.  Their grades could quickly change based on their ability to prove mastery.  We have addressed two units in this semester so far, so the grades during this six week grading period (March 11th, 2011) reflects two assessments alone. 

What is Proficiency Based Grading?:

Students are now solely graded on their ability to prove their proficiency of the state standards.  American Literature II has identified 5 essential learning targets for the semester.  Students are scored on their ability to meet standards within these targets through written, spoken, and project based assessments.  This allows students to become familiar with the type of scoring they will experience in college, as students are primarily scored based on their midterms and finals.  The difference is that in American Literature II, students will have multiple opportunities to show their proficiency of the standards.  Students will be scored on a power average, which takes the number of opportunities, time elapsed, and scores and averages them.  If a student wants to achieve a higher mark, they are encouraged to ask for another opportunity to assess their abilities.  Teachers will have individual timelines for how often/late students can re-submit their work.  The most important thing to know about proficiency based grading is that students are scored based on their ability they prove through their assessments.  This is a more accurate accounting of their ability.  The grading scale is as follows:

A (4)  81.25-100%
B (3)  68.745-81.245%
C (2)  49.5-68.745%
D (1)  37.45-49.5%

Many schools around the nation have adopted this practice.  There are many schools in Oregon who are currently making this their grading system.  It is a more accurate accounting of your student’s ability to master the standards which are required for graduation.  To find out more, please consult the following link on frequently asked questions from NING- a network for the National English Teacher Council.

http://nha-sharing.ning.com/page/5018035:Page:1492

American Literature Teachers


Beth Fisher            Tana Garcia            Jason Merrel
Please visit this website for Frequently Asked Questions on how this scoring system works! This is information from the National English Teacher Council.